Category Archives: Events in NYC

I recently went to Village East Cinema to view Lady Birdwith a friend of mine. I loved the movie, but more importantly, I loved the venue and will definitely be returning for more showings in the future. It has a gorgeous interior with some old traditional movie-theater design and architecture while also keeping it modern.

Village East Cinema shows a mix of different types of movies. From “can’t miss” blockbusters, to indie films that aren’t showing anywhere else, it has movies that will catch everyone’s attention. Tickets are cheap, as they are $10 for students and $8 if you are seeing a showing before noon. Take advantage of these great prices, especially since you might have to pay twice the price to see the same movie somewhere else.

One thing I am most appreciative about during my experience attending FIT is the new places I have been exposed to. Being from Long Island, I’ve been to Manhattan plenty of times before college. However, FIT has introduced me to so many new places that I never thought I would visit, let alone that were located right in New York City.

Recently, I have visited a few new places because of the honors course I am taking this semester: HA 394-History of New York Architecture. Along with learning about the history of New York’s development, the professor takes the class out on walking tours around the city to see some of the historical sites that we have learned about. One place we visited was the Alexander Hamilton Custom House, which houses the National Museum of the American Indian. Ironically, I had previously visited this building because of the honors course I took last semester: HA 395-Studies In American Indian Art and Culture. This museum is located right at Bowling Green and is free admission to the public. While my New York Architecture class taught me about the history of the building, the American Indian Art class taught me about the different artifacts and works located in the museum.

Another place I was introduced to from my NY Architecture course is the Morgan Library & Museum. This museum is located right in midtown on 36th and Madison. Inside is the study and library of J.P. Morgan; the library has three story shelving that looks like something right out of a Disney movie! Inside there are some exhibitions, including letters to and from Alexander Hamilton and part of Morgan’s collection. Without this class I would have never stepped outside of my “Big Apple” comfort zone and explored new places I never knew existed!
What are some places you have been to off your “beaten path?”
Until next time,
Annmarie x

YAI & FIT are hosting a networking event for students and young professionals in the New York area to help promote the agencies awareness as well as raising money for their incredible MAC program.

What is YAI?

YAI is a network of agencies, dedicated to providing innovative services to empower the people of the intellectual and developmental disabled (I/DD) community, that was founded in 1957. They support over 20,000 people in the I/DD community through their programs that include day services, residential support, employment training and support, as well as opportunities for recreation and socialization along with many other programs. What makes YAI different is they do not just support the people in the I/DD community they empower them; they guide them toward achieving the fullest life possibly by creating opportunities for living, loving,working and learning.

The Project

YAI’s communication department reached out to my event planning class at FIT. Together YAI and my class will be spending the next two months planning and ultimately hosting the Toast to Spring Event. This event will help raise money to cover expenses that prevent a number of participants who otherwise could not afford to attend the camp this summer. Our ultimate goal is to have a successful event that not only raises the programs awareness, but inspire a wide range of young individuals to get involved in making a positive difference.

Fundraising for MAC

Mainstreaming at Camp (MAC) is a program run by YAI in partnership with Frost Valley YMCA that offers kids and teens in the I/DD community the opportunity to go to sleep aways camp each summer. The summer camp provides valuable experiences for the kids in an inclusive and supportive environment. Each session runs for two weeks, during that time the children stay in the residential housing within the MAC village and participate in various activities within the larger Frost Valley community. These activities include hiking, rock climbing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and arts and crafts; each day is ended with a nightly campfire which brings all the campers together.

More information about the event will be available as we plan! Stay tuned.

All month, FIT has been hosting various events to promote healthy relationships. These events have included topics such as maintaining professional relationships, the One Billion Rising movement (the largest movement for ending violence against women), and STD and alcohol knowledge in relation to relationships.

This Thursday, February 22nd, the FIT Theatre Club is preforming “V-Day: A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer.” In support of healthy relationships month, this performance will “shed light” on the issue of violence against women. The club is focusing on spreading awareness about women’s social issues, and working toward a positive change. Selections from “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant, and A Prayer” will be preformed as well. The performance will be held at the Katie Murphy Amphitheatre at 7:30pm, and doors will open at 7pm.

The final event for the month will be held on Wednesday, February 28th by FIT Counseling Services. This event will be held in the Alumni Workroom, where counselors are available to discuss ending relationships in a healthy manner.

It is important to create awareness for issues such as these, and spread knowledge on how to maintain healthy relationships. Be sure to check out the Theatre Club’s V-Day performance, and you too can help spread awareness and work toward ending violence against women.

I hope you all were able to enjoy your breaks. It definitely felt nice to rejuvenate and prepare for spring semester! In doing so, I have thought about how to make the best of my last semester at FIT. Before assignments and projects kick in, I love to take advantage of what FIT and New York City have to offer. As this is my last spring living in Manhattan (sigh…), I was thinking of of my favorite activities, and things I am yet to try. Here are a few ideas you might want to try too!

FIT Fitness Classes:
FIT offers free athletics/fitness classes, which do not require prior registration. Classes are offered in different categories, such as spin classes, cardio classes, open gym classes, and so on. While athletics classes are a requirement for some majors, not everyone gets the opportunity to try them out. My goal is to try the kickboxing and spin classes before I graduate. Have any of you tried them? I would love to know your thoughts!

NYC Restaurant Week:
Every year, popular restaurants in the city participate in restaurant week. For special, fixed lunch and dinner prices, restaurants offer preset menus to try. A few years back, I tried the fixed dinner at Riverpark in east Manhattan. My friends and I were able to pick from the different options for a three course meal. My main dish was a pumpkin pesto pasta- not only was this delicious, but it was something I never would have thought to try on my own! This is the perfect opportunity to try some new food (for a reasonable price) that you might not have otherwise!

Groupons!:
Recently, a friend and I found an awesome deal for a spa groupon in Koreatown. Before the craziness of the semester begins, my friend and I were able to unwind and spend the day at the different sauna rooms and hot tubs. This is something I would have never done on my own, (especially once my school work picks-up) if I had not seen the offer. Groupon is always promoting different discounts to fun and unique outings. Sometimes, there are even opportunities for additional student discounts- keep an eye out!

These are just a few, unique ideas to make the most of your semester. Of course, we all put all lot of time and energy into school and our work; it is important to take time to enjoy all FIT and the city has to offer! Balance is key, right? What do you all like do make time for during the semester.